The Dunmore Equestrian Society's indoor arena has the shell now in place with hopes to start hosting events in late September. (Bob Schneider/CHAT News)

By Jesse Gill

Dunmore Equestrian Society’s Indoor Riding Arena hits construction milestone

Jul 10, 2024 | 9:01 AM

Progress on the Dunmore Equestrian Society’s indoor riding arena continues.

Construction has reached the stage where the shell is complete, lighting almost completed, the main water line ran and the final touches for the design of the heating and ventilation system are underway.

A gas line will be run to the property next week.

President Kelly Creasy said preparations will soon begin for the arena sand, and getting gravel placed before it takes shape inside.

“We do have some grandstand materials around so we can put in a small section of stands without a lot of cost,” Creasy said.

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“We’re hoping to have the arena dirt in place, the perimeter fence around the arena, and the sand in place for end of September.”

The hope is to host some event in the indoor arena in the fall and continue to improve and finalize the building over time as funding becomes available.

A huge boost to the funding came in an announcement Tuesday, as the society received a $100,000 donation from the Yuill Family Foundation.

Society Founder Blair Reid, a former employee of Bill Yuill as a Western Hockey League scout with the Seattle Thunderbirds said talks with Yuill about the project began about 10 years ago.

“He said, when you get to the point where you can put a lock on the door of an indoor facility, we’d be very interested in coming back and talk to you,” Reid said.

“Well, we just met that goal about three weeks ago, and he was true to his word. He stepped up the next day, basically,” he added.

“Bill is huge in the community, as everybody knows. He’s a very well-respected individual, so we’re happy to have him on board.”

They hope to eventually add a community hall to the indoor arena as well.

The Equestrian Society hosts a Heritage Gather event this weekend starting Friday night at their outdoor facility.

A number of activities accompany the rodeo including bands, kids activities, a drum circle and native dancing.